7/21/2013

Power Panel foreign service workers strike



Let's look at CBC NEWS about this strike. I think Treasury Board should do something to stop this strike. Because we gonna lose more, not only money, but also good reputation and images in foreign countries  if it is continuing.

Striking foreign service workers want binding arbitration


The union representing Canada's striking foreign service workers is asking Treasury Board President Tony Clement to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.
Tim Edwards, the president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, made the offer Thursday in a letter to Clement.
The letter, which sets a deadline for the offer of noon Tuesday, says the job action is having an impact on tourism, education, air transport and agriculture, and is also delaying the processing of visas and immigration applications.
Clement has told the union he has made a fair and reasonable offer, and has urged its members to return to work. 
For me, I sincerely believe that Canadian taxpayers and Canada's economy have suffered enough and it is time to bring closure to our dispute.

Job action started in April

Alternatively, Edwards said the union would be satisfied to return to the bargaining table if the government brought a new offer. Talks between the sides broke down in early June when Treasury Board returned to the table with no new offer.
The union's 1,350 members have been in a legal strike position since April, and have been staging rotating job action in Ottawa and at foreign missions.
The union wants wage parity with their counterparts in other federal departments that make as much as $14,000 more for doing similar work. Earlier this week, Edwards and Clement got into in a public argument over Twitter. The minister told The Canadian Press he wasn't going to "fold like a $3 suitcase" under the union's pressure.
In my opinion, it is negotiating in good faith towards a deal that is fair to taxpayers as well as employees. Personally I think the foreign service jobs are well-paid and highly sought after.

Impact on education and tourism 

Conway said the government wasn't going to address the union's particular concerns in public in order to respect the confidentiality and legal obligations of collective bargaining and to bargain in good faith.
Tourism groups have estimated that the strike could cost the industry $280 million this summer. Also,some foreign students have been forced to withdraw from Canadian university courses because they can't get visas in time.
The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations said earlier this week that international students are dependent on receiving their study permits. International students contributed $8 billion to the Canadian economy in 2010, the alliance said.
Students waiting for permits will start their courses late or be denied admission altogether. Edwards said visa processing dropped 65 per cent in June at the three major processing centres in Beijing, Mexico City and New Delhi targeted by the strike.
He also said that more than a dozen trips by federal cabinet ministers have been cut short or cancelled because of the targeted withdrawal of services by its members abroad.

7/16/2013

International students give Queen's top marks!



Recently, I saw an article that indicated the learning experience at Queen’s University is the best in Canada and one of the best in the world for international students. This result comes from a survey conducted by the International Student Barometer (ISB).
The ISB Survey involves thousands of students from about 200 institutions worldwide. The survey asks students about a range of topics, including pre-arrival experience, arrival experience, learning experience, living experience, student support, career plans and service expectations. 
With respect to learning experience, the 2012 ISB report ranks Queen’s number one in Canada and 34th globally among undergraduate students; number one in Canada and 48th globally among doctoral students; and number two in Canada and 25th globally among master’s students. Queen’s also places number one across Canada for student support, including health counselling and international centre resources, and number two among Canadian universities for the student living experience.
“These figures confirm the extremely high-quality student experience that is a trademark of Queen’s,” says Jim Lee, Vice-Provost (International). 
In my opinion, it is unfortunate that few of the well-known world university rankings include this significant factor-learning experience in their ranking schemes and this highlights a key problem in solely using such rankings to make decisions about the quality of educational institutions. Significantly, this survey tells us that international students place Queen’s among the world’s top 50 institutions in terms of the international student learning experience. Therefore, when choosing your abroad university, academic ranking is important but I think the more important is the learning experience and supports you will have.
According to the ISB survey, undergraduate students ranked Queen’s very highly in student and learning support, notably in academic advising, expert lecturers, and the library. Graduate students gave the university high marks for expert lecturers, guidance in the selection of topics, level of research activity, and opportunities to teach. The results showed students were very satisfied with sport facilities, safety, and the campus environment.
The survey also noted several areas for improvement, particularly in career services, IT support, public transportation links, and the quality of off-campus accommodation.


7/02/2013

Free Canadian



It is all about freedom!

Happy Canada Day!





  • History of Canada Day
             Canada Day occurs on July 1st, the anniversary of Canada's confederation. Canadians commemorate the day with parades, fireworks, cookouts, and concerts. The popularity of the holiday has been on the incline since the late 1960's and has since become a nationwide celebration.

       Formerly known as "Dominion Day," Canada Day marks the 

anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, joining Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country. The Constitution Act granted Canada a substantial amount of independence from England, although complete independence was not given until 1982. Prior to 1900, there was little Canadian nationalism as many Canadians regarded themselves as British citizens. The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor Canada's 50th birthday. It was not until 1946 that Phileas Cote, a member of the Quebec House of Commons, sent a private member's bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. The Senate responded by recommending the holiday be named the "National Holiday of Canada." Since no one could agree on the name, the bill was defeated. The government first recognized Canada Day in 1958 by holding a trooping of the color on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. 


  • Breakthroughts
            In addition to independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day also marks a number of revolutionary breakthroughs and significant events. The first national radio hookup was initiated by the Canadian National Railway on July 1, 1927. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) held their first cross-country broadcast on Canada Day in 1958. The first color television transmission in Canada was held on July 1st of 1966. In 1967, the Order of Canada was inaugurated. "O Canada" was also named the official national anthem on Canada Day, 1980.


  • Activities
     Canada Day  is recognized with parades, fireworks, carnivals, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Many Canadians also engage in popular outdoor activities like sports, barbecues, and trips to the beach. 

     The biggest celebration is held in Canada's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Events are held in museums and parks across the city. Onlookers can find historical presentations, live music, children's activities, and sports games throughout the day of July 1st. The festival ends with a grand finale of fireworks over Parliament Hill. The Queen of England is often in attendance.


     Canada Day is celebrated in conjunction with the United States' Independence Day during the International Freedom Festival. Fireworks are shot off over the Detroit River, and residents of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario come together in joint-celebration.


      It is no coincidence that Canada Day is celebrated during one of the warmest months of the year. Whether you spend the day in the sun or participating in your favorite Canadian event, I suggest that you must plan the perfect activity for this holiday. I have come up with a list of unique indoor and outdoor activities geared to celebrating our heritage and summer.



  • Go to the beach. Use the holiday as an excuse to bake in the sun, enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
  • Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog. Most Canadians spend this holiday outdoors so you will be able to take advantage of the summer heat and maybe make a new friend.
  • Have your family and friends over for an old fashioned barbecue. Sip on Labatt Blue beer and appreciate what it means to be Canadian.
  • Go to your towns local parade. Show your pride by dressing up in all red and white, you will get extra points from your friends if face paint is involved.
  • Go to a carnival. Eat fried dough, snack on cotton candy, drink beer, go on all of your favorite rides and play all the games.
  • Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands will play music at outdoor venues.
  • Lounge by the pool and read a good book. Maybe have a nice cold ice cream and enjoy the weather.
  • Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of feet in the air.
  • Go to your local brewery. Canadians love beer, so there is no better way to celebrate our birthday than to take a tour of your favorite brewery. Many of these tours are free and come with samples.
  • Go camping. Take a couple days off of work and enjoy everything that the Canadian wilderness has to offer.
  • There is nothing more Canadian than hockey. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Take an exhibit tour and honor your favorite players.
  • Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love honor and respect our country.
  • Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful and patriotic than watching the colorful explosions light up the sky.
  • Go fishing. Canada is famous for their awesome bass fishing and this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
  • Go on a bear watch. This unique activity allow you to get up close and personal with grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
  • Go white water rafting. Canada's rivers offer a variety of different difficulty levels so whether your a rafting pro or a rookie in search of an adventure rafting is always a fun activity.






  • Fireworks

        It's time to light the candles for Canada's 146th birthday! Time to party like it's 1867! I have compiled all the information you need to know about Canada Day festivities in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax. Each city has its own unique way of commemorating the Constitution Act, from skateboarding competitions and pancake breakfasts to live performances and choreographed fireworks. 

      This section lists all the vital details on where to go and what to do in each city, including dates, times, locations, tips, and schedules. Whether you are celebrating atop Parliament Hill or on the shores of Lake Ontario, make sure you bring your maple leaf flag and lots of Canadian pride.


  #1 Ottawa

     Ottawa throws the biggest Canada Day bash in the country. The capital city is  hosting fireworks and live performances by some of the world's biggest 
musicians.

    Canada Day 2013 will be bigger and better than ever in Ottawa, Ontario. A plethora of events will be held all over the city from dawn til dusk, from skateboarding competitions to historical presentations. The biggest festivities can be found on Parliament Hill beginning at noon with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Parliament Hill
Time: 6:30pm Concert, 10:00pm Fireworks
Address: 33 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5C4




 #2 Vancouver

         Vancouver is known for hosting some of the most popular Canada Day celebrations. Participants can celebrate our birthday with live music, great food, bike races and fireworks.

     Every year, thousands of Canadians participate in Vancouver's Canada Day celebrations. The city features numerous patriotic events, all of which include beautiful venues and fun activities. The biggest Canada Day celebration is being held at Granville Island, one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks. From 7am until midnight, Canadians can enjoy a pancake breakfast, live jazz music, and a South Asian cultural extravaganza, which includes traditional dances, bollywood fashion and ethnic food.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Granville Island
Time: 7:00am to Midnight
Address: Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada



  #3 Halifax

      With free food, parades, fireworks and a live concert, Halifax and Dartmouth's Canada Day celebration is one of the most phenomenal in the country.

     Dartmouth Crossings is hosting one of 2013's biggest Canada Day celebrations. The events take place in various locations throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and then go watch the Royal Nova Scotial international tattoo parade in downtown Halifax from 10:30 to 11:30. The parade begins at Sackville Street and continues to Metro Centre. For families with younger children, the Great Canadian Family Fun-Fest on the Commons will be held from 12 to 4pm.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Dartmouth and Halifax
Time: 8:00am to Midnight
Address: Alderney Landing, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada



#4 Toronto

        Toronto's Canada Day festivities include free concerts, street performances, 
and a spectacular display of fireworks over Mel Lastman Square.

      Toronto is celebrating Canada's 146th Birthday on Friday July 1st at Mel Lastman Square. 2011 Canada Day is anticipated to be the biggest yet. The city will host ongoing festivities throughout the day, but the biggest events will occur between 8 PM and 10:30 PM. The entertainment events will begin at 8 PM with a concert from Canadian native Ray Robinson. He will begin with the Canadian National anthem followed by R&B, soul, and gospel music. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Time: 5:00pm Entertainment, 10:15pm Fireworks
Address: 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M, Canada



Have fun with your family and friends on Canada Day :)
Again, Happy Birthday Canada!


Canada Day 2013 Celebrations



Happy Birthday Canada :)

6/25/2013

Useful websites for job finding ! Must look !

Web Sites - Canada

Here are some of major links:


Major Links


CACEE - Career Options - for expert career advice and fresh job opportunities in partnership with the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE)
CareerEdge (internships for recent graduates, 1-Career Edge: for recents graduates, 2-Ability Edge:For graduates with disabilities, 3-Career Bridge: For internationally qualified professionals.)
Jobbook (Get matched with the jobs you want)
Jobrapido (Canadian and International Jobs) 
Neuvoo (search engine for jobs in Canada and U.S.A.)
Placement étudiant du Québec (job bank for students)
Regroupement des organismes spécialisés pour l'emploi des personnes handicapées (specialized services specifically dedicated to disabled people)


Specialized Websites

Accounting - Accountingjobs.ca
Accounting, finance, management - Jobwings 
Administrative and clerical - adminjobs.ca
Aeronautical - Aerojobs.ca
Business analyst - BAjob 
Call center and customer service - Callcenterjob.ca
Clean energy - Clean Energy
Communication, sales, marketing - Grenier aux nouvelles , Infopresse ,Isarta ,
http://www.espresso-jobs.com/
Consumer goods and retail - CPG Connect Retail.ca
Engineering and technical -Techjobs.ca
Entrepreneurship - FounderFuel
Environment, energy, sustainable Development - Green Career Central 
Finances - FinanceQuébec  
Human resources - HR jobs.ca
Information technology - itjob.ca 
Intermediate and senior level positions - ExecuNet Canada 
Latin American MBA Alumni Network - LAMBA Alumni Network
Legal - Legaljobs.ca 
Paralegal - Paralegaljobs.ca
Pharmaceutical - Pharmajob.ca
Project management - Pmjobs.ca 
Sales - Salesrep.ca

Good luck :) 

Work While You Study in Canada




  • Working in Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada states that:
As an international student "you must come to Canada with enough money to live and pay your bills while you are studying, without needing to work. In certain situations, you may be able to work while you are studying. Working will help you earn extra money and gain Canadian work experience."

          As a general rule, anyone who is not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident must have a Work Permit for all work in Canada. Normally, under the Foreign Worker Regulations, an employer has to prove that there are no qualified Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents suitable for the position. This is done through the HRSDC (Human Resources and Skill Development Canada) labour market opinion and confirmation process. However, there are some special exemptions which apply to international students.
          International students in the categories below may be granted permission to work without needing HRSDC (Human Resources and Skill Development Canada) Confirmation (i.e., without being subject to the availability of Canadian workers.)

  • Students Working On-Campus

          International students who hold a valid Study Permit may look for and accept employment on-campus provided they are in attendance and registered as full-time students at the post-secondary institution where the employment will take place. In this case, a Work Permit is NOT required.
"On-campus" employment is defined as employment in facilities owned, leased, or rented by the educational institution (for example it can be a private business located on-campus that provides service to the institution).
ISWOP (International Student Work Opportunities Program) is an on-campus employment program for international undergraduate (main campus degree) students which was piloted in 2005. ISWOP provides students with financial assistance through paid part-time employment on the campus.

For further information including application deadline and eligibility requirements, visit the ISWOP page.




  • Working Off-Campus

           I am pleased to announce the launching of the national Off-Campus Work Permit Program. The program enables eligible full-time international students to be able to apply for an off-campus work permit.
For more information, visit OFF-CAMPUS WORK PERMIT PROGRAM.

  • Co-op and Internship

             International students whose course of study requires that they complete a work component in order to graduate and receive their degree will be permitted to accept employment, either on-campus or off-campus. The internship or co-op work cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study. A Work Permit is required. To apply for a Work Permit, you will need a letter from your Faculty as proof that the employment is an essential part of your course of study and is a requirement of your degree. On your Work Permit, the University will be listed as your employer and the expiry date will match that of your Study Permit. The normal processing fee will NOT be charged in this case. You must obtain a Work Permit prior to starting your employment.
NOTE: In order to participate in this type of co-op or internship experience, you must apply for a Co-op Work Permit; you cannot use an Off-Campus Work Permit to participate in this type of work experience.
For more information on the Co-op Work Permit, please visit:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp
To download the application kit for a Co-op Work Permit and order the Fees Receipt, visit   http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp



6/19/2013

How To Make Friends



This video shows you how to meet some new peeps or friends in university, that is some of which you'll have for the rest of your life. Hope it will help you :)

Alert - CIC Strike Action!!



           The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is currently taking strike action. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas.
           Posted processing times for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications do not take into account work stoppages.
           Anyone applying for a visa should anticipate delays and submit their application as far in advance as possible!
           Contingency plans are already in place to ensure all offices remain open and are providing at least a minimum level of service. Priority will be placed on urgent humanitarian applications.
           CIC continues to closely monitor the situation.


Who:      Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO),    Canada's Foreign Service Officer union.

What:      PAFSO is announcing the withdrawal of services in posts in key international locations and at Headquarters in Ottawa.


Where:   London (immigration section)
               Buenos Aires
               Santiago
               International Economic Relations & Summits Division (HQ)
               Treaty Law Division (HQ)
               North America Bureau (HQ)
               North America Policy & Relations Division (HQ)
               Director General for Africa (HQ)
               Eastern & Southern Africa Relations Division (HQ)


When:     Effective immediately


Why:      The primary issue at hand is PAFSO's request for equal pay for equal work. Specifically, the union is seeking wage adjustments to keep Foreign Service Officer pay in line with comparable occupational groups. "We will continue rotating withdrawals of service at key missions abroad and units at headquarters until Treasury Board returns to the negotiating table for a substantive and genuine discussion on addressing the pay inequities to which Canadian diplomats are subjected." (Tim Edwards, President, PAFSO.)



SOURCE: Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO)



Helpful social skills for international students



      As social psychologist Richard Brislin observes, people in an individualist society (North America) need some “social skills” that are less important in collectivist societies (China). People everywhere can use social skills, of course, but the kinds of situations they encounter and the skills they need may vary.

         Social skills that will help international students in the North America include the following:
  • ATTENDING TO PERSONAL HYGIENE

            Many students from other countries are struck by the Americans’ strong sensitivity to body and breath odors. Americans may quickly back away from a person who has "body odor" or "bad breath," and they are likely to try to avoid that person in the future.
            If you want to avoid these negative reactions from Americans, you may want to consider:
    • brushing your teeth two or more times daily
    • changing your clothes each day
    • taking a shower in the morning before going to school
    • taking a shower in the evening if you plan to be in public
              An especially sensitive topic among Americans is women’s body hair. Most North American women shave the hair in their armpits and on their lower legs. Many Americans react negatively to the sight of a woman with unshaved armpits and legs. Women from countries where shaving is not the custom face a very personal decision about whether to follow the North American custom.






  • MEETING PEOPLE

          North Americans have typical ways of finding people to talk with and perhaps develop relationships with. Chinese students can use these same approaches.
          You cannot meet new people or develop a social life if you spend all your time in your room, the library or laboratory, and classrooms. You need to get yourself into situations where interacting with new people is a natural thing to do.
          Attend social activities such as receptions, parties, picnics, and open houses, where people go with the intention of socializing. 
          Attend public events such as lectures and performances, where you can talk with other people who share your interest in being there.
          Join an organization based on some interest of yours—academic, avocational (that is, related to a hobby such as photography or dancing), sport, service, or any other. Take an active part in the organization. Be on a committee; help plan an event; do things to enlarge your chance to be around other people.
          Volunteer at a campus or community organization that uses volunteers to carry out its activities. The local public library can be a good place to start, either to volunteer there or to get information about other possibilities in your location.
           Find a mentor, someone who will agree to spend some time with you regularly, sharing activities, talking with you, answering your questions.
           Once you find people to talk with, you will need to be able to introduce yourself to a stranger and have some conversation topics ready. Introducing yourself normally involves looking the other person in the eye at least briefly, smiling, and saying something like, “Hello. My name is XXX. I am YYY.” For example: “Hello. My name is Zongxuan. I am a commerce student.” Or, more informally, “Hi. I’m Bill Clinton. I’m a retired president.”
            If you are a male meeting another male, you should shake hands with the person. Females may or may not shake hands, based on their preferences. If a female offers her hand to shake, you should shake it. Generally, North Americans regard a “firm handshake” as a sign of sincerity and a “weak handshake” as a sign of a weak personality.
            Usually, Chinese names are hard for North Americans to pronounce. When it happens, be ready to help them. “It’s pronounced like ‘Xuan.’” Or, “You can call me ‘Claire.’” Many Chinese students use English-language names so that Americans can remember them and pronounce them more easily.
            Once you have given your name and heard the other person’s name, you need to have some conversation topics ready. You can use one of your prepared topics, or you can simply follow up on what the person you just met says about himself or herself.


  •    MANAGING CONVERSATIONS

            Once you have located someone to talk to, you need the skills for what linguists call "conversation management." These include the abilities to start a conversation, continue a conversation, and end a conversation.
            One common way to start a conversation is to ask a question based on what the person has told you about himself or herself. For example, ask Bob if he has taken any interesting trips lately. You can also use one of the common American “small talk” topics--the weather, whatever it was you had in common that brought you to the place where you are talking, or some current event. You can ask about one of your prepared topics. Or you can say something like, "I am new here and am not sure what to talk about in a situation like this. What would be a good thing to talk about now?"
             Be aware that North Americans do not have the idea in traditional Chinese culture, that it is impolite to ask too many questions when two people meet for the first time. On the contrary, Americans and Canadians consider it natural and appropriate to ask and answer questions when they meet a new person. In their minds they are not being rude; instead, they are showing their interests. The new person, to show interest, is expected to ask questions too.
             Probably the easiest way to continue a conversation is to ask the other person questions based on what you have learned about him or her, or on something he or she has just said. Of course you can add your own opinions or information.
             To end a conversation, you can offer some reason for closing the conversation. For example, "I want to get some more to eat." "I need to meet a friend now." "I see someone over there I have been looking for." Then express a common phrase for conversation-ending, such as "I enjoyed talking with you." Shake hands again if you shook hands when you first met, and then walk away.



  • DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS
                 In my experiences, North Americans are usually cautious about getting into close relationships with other people, including other North Americans. They value independence, privacy, and self-reliance. They generally do not want to become dependent on other people or have other people dependent on them. This contrasts noticeably with the Chinese orientation, in which interdependence with other people is generally considered necessary and desirable.
                 In principle, developing an intercultural relationship requires sensitivity to a number of factors, including:
  1. the reasons people are seeking relationships in the first place
  2. what it is that draws people toward each other
  3. the pace at which relationships can comfortably develop
  4. the steps or phases in relationship-development, that is, what people do and talk about as their relationship becomes closer
  5. the limitations people put on the extent of their involvement in other peoples’ lives

  • SOCIAL DON'T
                 North Americans will generally tolerate a fairly wide range of behaviors, but there are certain things anyone dealing with North Americans will want to avoid.
                 Do not ask about personal financial matters such as the cost of something a person bought or the amount of a person’s income. Chinese may readily discuss these matters, but Americans regard them as intensely private.
                 Do not ask other people, particularly women, how old they are or how much they weigh.
                 Do not argue too vigorously (with raised voice and conspicuous gesturing), or North Americans will assume you are too opinionated, are unable to “control yourself,” or might become violent.
                Do not accept an invitation to go to someone’s house and then not go. If you genuinely cannot or do not wish to go to a home to which you have been invited, say “no, thank you” to the invitation. Do not say “yes” and then fail to appear. Nor should you take a friend with you unless the friend has also been invited. When you receive an invitation, you can ask, “May I bring a friend?”
                Take care not to emit strong body or breath odors. Once, my Canadian friends "put off” by the smells of garlic and cooking oil that surrounded me. And asked me what did I eat for lunch. So we need to often follow bathing, tooth-brushing, and laundry habits that will minimize these odors.